Sorry to burst your Mormon hating friend's bubble, but the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has never once endorsed the Republican (or any other) party. Sen. Harry Reid is a member, a staunch Democrat, and as far as I know he has never been threatened with his church membership.
In Utah there are a lot of members who joke that a good Mormon would never be a democrat, but even some of the most prominent "General Authorities" (what we call our churchwide leaders) have been very active democrats. In fact, with the number of members passing 2% of the population of the U.S. you will find members of the LDS church in pretty much every political party and persuasion (there are even LDS Liberals (GASP). "Vote for the candidate who most closely fits your ideals of the role of government" is all the leaders say about casting a ballot. Oh, and, no matter how we vote, we are highly encouraged to take part in the democratic process at all levels.
Not only that, but just prior to EVERY election season a memo goes out to be read in Church meetings by every Bishop that declares the LDS Church's political neutrality, and reminds the members that using church facilities, leaders or members to back any particular candidate or party is not allowed.
I chalk the whole "Latter-Day Saint = Republican" thing to just another urban legend.
Just thought you'd like to know.